Ever wondered what all of those little tools in your makeup kit are for? There. Are. So. Many. Luckily, Rue hair-and-makeup guru Rachael B. has the rundown on three brushes you need in your arsenal.The Foundation BrushWhy you need it: This little wonder keeps the oils from your hands out of your pores. Translation: clearer-looking skin.

How to use it: For a perfect finish, begin applying foundation from the center of your face and fan the brush outward to avoid makeup lines.

The Eyeliner BrushWhy you need it: Forget pencil liner. Powdered liner lasts longer, and this tool will give you complete control of application.

How to use it: To avoid squinting one eye closed, simply tilt your mirror up and gaze down into it. Then, press and wiggle pigment along the lash line.

The Lip BrushWhy you need it: These bristles give you total authority on how much pigment you’re applying. Plus, its precise application negates the need for any lip liner.

How to use it: Apply your brush directly to the lipstick. Start by outlining the bottom (begin in the center), then fill in the top. Layer until desired hue is achieved.

Shoe Color: Animal PrintPolish Color: Peach
Every yin needs a yang. Animal prints are fierce on their own, while peach gives off a good-girl vibe. In a pinch, powder pink will do the demure job, too.

Shoe Color: Beige
Polish Color: RedA neutral shoe begs for polish that brings the heat. Your best bet? Fire engine red. Just a few swipes for an instant fiesta on your feet.

Shoe Color: WhitePolish Color: Anything bright
Think of white sandals as a blank canvas for your most creative nail-color combos. Unexpected hues work well here. If you’re all about nail art, this is your time to shine.

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer

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Bright lipstick is a Summer 2015 beauty must. While punchy hues are hot right now, it’s not the first time they’ve shined. Let’s take a look back at some of the biggest lipstick trends we’ve seen over the years.Deep Vamp
Colored pouts were the rage in the Roaring Twenties. Flappers like Louise Brooks complemented defiant fringed dresses with vampy makeup. This meant pale skin, rimmed eyes, and, of course, dark lipstick.

Pinup Red
For postwar women, red lipstick disguised sorrow. In fact, military nurses were issued patriotic red gloss (with application instructions) as a part of their uniform. But it was Marilyn Monroe who made the look iconic. She did her civic duty by famously flaunting a red lip on tour for the troops in South Korea.Mod Nude
By the late 60s, women began to reject Old Hollywood glamour, opting instead for a more androgynous look. So, nude became the go-to lipstick color. For a sultrier look, models like Brigitte Bardot and Twiggy relied on smoldering eyes alone.

Punk Pink
Experimental dress and extreme makeup defined the 80s. Nothing was off limits – especially when it came to Madonna. For the material girl, a hot-pink lip balanced out all the whips, chains, and pleather.

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer

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A tiny split in an otherwise-pristine manicure? This can become a pretty painful beauty blunder – fast. But no need to clip all your nails in a panicked frenzy. Just follow the six simple steps below for a quick fix.

A lot of things can throw off your exercise game – forgetting headphones, a subpar sports bra, and so on. Your tresses, on the other hand, don’t have to be on that list. We found the ultimate hairstyle for each of your summer workouts.

For yoga, stay true to the principles of the practice and keep it simple. A braid is the perfect style for this workout. Feeling adventurous? Try a rope braid.

It’s finally summer, a.k.a. time to jump in the pool and perfect that mermaid hair flip. But all that fun in the sun (and chlorine) can be more damaging to your locks than you think. To restore softness and shine to tired tresses, try this simple avocado hair mask.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Mash the avocado into a paste – the fewer the clumps, the easier it will be to apply to your hair.
2. Add the olive oil and lemon juice and mix them into the paste.
3. Apply the mask to your hair from root to end. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
4. Shampoo your hair to remove any residue. It may take two washes to get it out completely.

Now the only thing you’ll have to worry about at the pool is belly flops.

By Leah Welcome, Staff Writer

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Is that fierce red lip wreaking havoc on your outfit? It happens. No matter the fabric, read on for tips to beat the stain.

For CottonThis one is pretty easy. Head to the nearest sink and grab some dish soap, which will attack the oil-based beauty product. Soak the stain in the soapy water, then launder according to the label. Not near any Palmolive? Spritz a little hair spray on the spot to neutralize it until you can tend to it later.

For Silk
In this situation, it may be best to take a quick trip to your trusty dry cleaner. But if you’re feeling daring, there is an at-home option. Take a piece of tape, lightly smooth it over the stain, then rip it off. Repeat until you’ve seen the last of the red.

For Leather
You’ll want to be on your most delicate behavior for this one. Use a non-abrasive tool, like a plastic spoon, and gently scrape off the excess lipstick. Dab (don’t rub) what’s left with a clean, dry paper towel. Still stuck with the smudge? Break out the rubbing alcohol and pour a small amount onto a lint-free, white cloth. Gently blot the stain with the towel (you’ll want to test it on a hidden spot first), then leave to air dry. For any leftover greasy marks, sprinkle on cornmeal or talcum powder and leave overnight.

And now that your lipstick-wearing fears are no more, simply grab your favorite hue to gear up for the season.

By Ashley Bell, Staff Writer

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Your bag is packed for your summer getaway, and we’re willing to bet you have (several pairs of) sandals tucked inside. Look down. Are your toes ready for the trip? We chatted with Rue hair-&-makeup guru Rachael B., who gave us her recommendations for keeping our polish perfectly synced with our travel plans.

Girls’ WeekendMentally preparing, er, packing for a bachelorette trip? Rachael encourages you to break out the metallic. “A steely silver is like a party on your toes, and rose gold is very hot right now.” Should you want something a little bolder, Rachael suggests swiping one of these colors across just the tips of your toes for a contrasted look.

Tropical Paradise
If Bora Bora is on your itinerary, we’re jealous. Seriously. Now grab a bright hue. “Anything that reminds you of tropical fruit is a go,” says Rachael, “like a pink-orange with a little shine, or a bright lemon yellow.”

Coastal Cruise
For those weekends in the Cape or those jaunts to Martha’s Vineyard, it’s all about the sherbet colors. “A light orange pairs well with a nautical blue-and-gold outfit,” notes Rachael, “and a soft, cashmere pink is a classic preppy neutral.”

Now grab your carry-on. All that’s left is to walk your fancy feet onto a beach (or boat dock, or bachelorette suite).

By Ashley Bell, Staff Writer

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For your eyes: Want a barely there touch of color on your peepers? Just sweep a bit of bronzer onto your lids for subtle definition. Added bonus? One less thing to carry in your cosmetic bag.

For on-the-go fragrance: Say sayonara to your number-one perfume leaking everywhere in transit. Spritz cotton swabs with the scent and drop them into a plastic sandwich bag for touch-ups during the day.

For your midday workout: Lunchtime yoga doesn’t always allow you to shower after. Freshen up with a paper-towel pat down and wipe your face. Then go beyond deodorant and dust yourself with body powder. Finish off with dry shampoo and a few brush strokes through your hair.

By Susie Kostaras, Associate Content Editor

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